Day #122 – Punta Gorda, FL

 

A pretty quiet day aboard Good News today.  High winds and storms predicted so we knew we would be grounded, although 75 degrees.  The winds picked up before dawn this morning and it rained a couple of times but nothing big.  Tornadoes in the area, but so far so good here.

Walked around the marina a bit this morning.  Nice development but very isolated and about 10 miles from anything.  Below, Nice area for waiting even if I am not sure what they are waiting for.

Really didn’t mind having a quiet day as we decided we have been moving and doing for four months tomorrow and down time was okay. Not so sure how we will feel tomorrow as it is supposed to be another day much the same.

Tomorrow will be the beginning of the fifth month so figured out a few stats for the trip so far (see what boredom will do!)

Days on trip since leaving home = 122
Miles traveled = 2,898
Hours actually traveled = 302
Gallons of fuel used = 1,935
Average price per gallon = $3.79
Highest price per gallon = $4.89
Lowest price per gallon =  $2.86
Number marinas stayed in = 46
Number of different anchorages = 10

Wow!  Oh the places you’ll see…

Day #121 – Punta Gorda, FL

Made a schedule change last night as to our destination for today.  We were to go to Venice, Fl and stay at the Crow’s Nest.  Weather is predicted to change and a storm is coming in tomorrow with high winds.  Decided to go further and get safely tucked into Burnt Store Marina in Charlotte Harbor.  We may be there until Tuesday when the weather improves.

Left the marina at 8:00 and it was already 62 degrees and sunny.  Decided to stay in the intercoastal instead of going out into the Gulf.  The intercoastal is a slower trip with swing and lift bridges and more traffic, but seemed the safer route to take in case the winds picked up. 

It has been very scenic and we were entertained for quite some time by a pod of five dolphins.  They seem so happy all of the time.

We passed through several areas we had heard of before. Among them Siesta Key,  Venice, Cape Haze, Gaspiralla and Boca Grande.  We are entering the area (Punta Gorda) where Hurricane Charley came ashore in 2004 and there is still evidence of some of the damage. 

Lots of boat traffic today and they come in all shapes and sizes.  The scenery has changed several times and at one point Andy called the intercoastal a trench.  If was very narrow and shallow with only 2-5 feet under our keel some of the way, never more than ten.  Hard to make very good time as much of the areas are “no wake” zones.

Pulled into Burnt Store Marina in Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda.  Beautiful development of condos, marina, etc.  Hope explore more tomorrow.

Thanks to Deb for the above photo of Good News leaving Bradenton/Twin Dolphins.

Day #120 – Sarasota, FL

Wow, day #120, the trip must be one third over, boo.  Weather was amazing when we left Bradenton at 9:30 and headed to Sarasota.  Came through the intercoastal the entire way and we commented that by far it was the most pleasure boat traffic we have seen in a long time.  Sarasota Bay was really busy.

The highlight of the trip was leaving Bradenton, where we were accompanied by three dolphins for at least ten minutes.  They performed as none we have seen yet, spinning and jumping as if on command.  I was like a little kid and took many pictures and thankfully a couple turned out.  What fun to watch!

Arrived at Marina Jack in Sarasota about 1:00.  Checked in, put the dinghy in the water and headed back out across the bay to Old Salty Dog (thanks Bob for the recommendation) on Siesta Key for a late lunch. 

Beautiful spot, crowded so we sat at the bar and enjoyed ourselves.  Made the dinghy ride back and washed the boat and dinghy and relaxed for a bit. 

 

Walked around this beautiful area. The marina is situated right near Main Street and a beautiful park is between the marina and the water.  Above is the view from the bow of our boat.

Lots of activity, boats and people.  Wish we could stay longer but so many ports to see and can’t see them all.

Day #119 – Bradenton, FL

Happy Thanksgiving 2008! 

What a beautiful day we are having, 70 and sunny.  Feel badly for family and friends we talk to as they are dealing with snow and cold.  We will be back in it next year so are truly appreciating this while we can.  Missing family and hoping they are all having a great day.

Deb and I went for a nice walk along the water this morning.  Made my one dish to pass for the marina’s Thanksgiving feast and are set for the day. 

Went up to the pool at 2:30 and they were having quite the party.  The marina provided five turkeys and they deep fried each one.

They were awesome, very moist.  Everyone brought a dish to pass and the food was tremendous.  Can’t say I have had Thanksgiving dinner around the pool ever before.  Quite a few of the people here are “live aboards”, some year round, others winter only.  They really cater to them here.

Came back to the boat and Andy and Bob are having their “siestas” and we will get together around 6:00 and spend our last evening together for a time. 

Not sure when we will meet up with Bob and Deb again, but sure have enjoyed our time together and hope we can do it the future.  Tomorrow we leave for the Sarasota area and they are staying here at Twin Dolphins until Monday.

 

View from the cockpit of the boat at Twin Dolphins.

Day #118 – Bradenton, FL

Had a bit of a rough night at anchor.  The winds picked up and completely changed direction during the night so it made it really rough.

Took off for Twin Dolphin Marina in Bradenton and arrived at 9:30.  Washed the boat down from the salt water crossing the day before and headed into town for lunch with Bob and Deb.  Found a great little burger joint (Marina recommendation.)  They were great and greasy.  Old place, dark, greasy and Deb even spotted a cock roach near her seat at the bar.  Ummmmm.

Walked around the cute little downtown for a bit and back to the boat.  Rested up a little from the sleepless night before and went over to Headquarters for dinner.  Back to the boat and a good night’s sleep.

Guess not everyone welcomes us?!?!?!?!

Day #117 – Bradenton, FL

For the first time in a long time the weather was a little squirrely today.  Woke to a beautiful sunrise, then clouds rolled in.  We spent the morning on the boat. Andy cleaned the outside and I cleaned the inside.  Did a couple of loads of laundry and done through Thanksgiving.

About noon we had a few sprinkles, but they passed quickly. We walked up to the city and it is beautiful.  Old world charm and new construction combined, but done well.  Nice to see activity and construction as it means their economy is still okay.

Upon the recommendation of people in the marina office we went to a restaurant called Five Guys Burgers.  It is very much like In-and-Out Burgers in California.  GREAT burgers and good fries.  Yummy fare.

Walked back to the boat and took off from the dock about 1:30.  Came across Tampa Bay and entered the Manatee River area.  We are anchored with 10 other boats, eight sail boats, one house boat and us.  Pretty spot and calm waters among BIG houses.  Will stay here for the night and pull into Twin Dolphins Marina in the morning.

Day #116 – St. Petersburg, FL

Pretty tough to start your day much better than with the sunrise we had this morning.  About 9:00 we said good-bye to Bob and Deb and we headed out to St. Petersburg, 35 miles away.  Wanted to explore the city so chose the Municipal Marina downtown.  When we arrived they sent us to the seasonal part of the 660 slip marina as they are shooting a movie near the other one.  Saw no evidence as they don’t really start until Wednesday when we won’t be here.

 

The trip down the intercoastal was pretty much as I imagined it would be although the houses are getting larger.  Guess we are getting into the areas of more expensive real estate.  The channel was really narrow and you wouldn’t want to get out of it.  We went under many bridges and only had to wait for one, about 20 minutes.  The others were about 25′ high and we could make it under.  The dolphins put on quite a show in several areas but still no good pictures, just mental ones.

After we arrived at the marina we took off and walked and walked around town and down to the Pier.  Shops, an aquarium, restaurants, etc.  Came back to the boat and will cook on board.  Pretty quiet here and will go back in town tomorrow to do more exploring and then take off and find an anchorage on our way to Bradenton.

 

And end the day with another beautiful sunset with the picture taken from the bow of our boat.

Day #115 – Clearwater, FL

This is still like Groundhog Day…one 70 degree sunny day after another.  No complaints here!

 

Watched the beautiful sun come up again over Clearwater.

Bob and Deb took us in their Cadillac of dinghies on a whirlwind tour today.  We pulled up to Frenchy’s dock and walked ashore to eat lunch.  That is the third lunch we have had at Frenchy’s while we have been in Clearwater.  Each one outstanding and they have five locations so not a bad deal.  Had the clam chowder, again, and salad…delicious.

We took off attempting to go to Caldesi Island, voted the #1 beach in America.  Got about half way there and decided to turn around.  It was too rough and not going to get any better for the remaining four miles.  Took a little tour around the area and enjoyed every minute.

Came back and Deb and I headed to Costco.  Thought we would wander around and pick up dinner.  Well, about two hours and two GPS units later we finally arrived.  Parked and went inside.  We both looked at each other and shook our heads.  It was PACKED. Never thought about the fact that it was the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Went to the closest Publix grocery and headed back to the boat.  Decided to do a pot luck dinner again and Andy is going to grill.  Our last beautiful sunset in Clearwater as we are heading to St. Petersburg tomorrow.

Day #114 – Clearwater, FL

A beautiful day (sunny, 50/70) to get out and see the area around Clearwater.  We headed out with Bob and Deb and headed to Dunedin.  It was settled by Scottish immigrants in 1899 and includes Honeymoon Island and Caladesi State Park.  Beautiful old sleepy Florida town.  Many old, stately homes along the shore.

Next headed to Tarpon Springs which is the sponge capital and enjoys rich Greek heritage.  Many of the people on the streets spoke Greek, no English.  Ate a a terrific Greek Restaurant and walked and walked all over town and the marinas.

Many thanks to Deb for the great photos as hers were much better than mine.

Walked to Pier 60 in Clearwater to watch the sunset and people watch. The Sunsets at Pier 60 Society was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 1994 and officially began on March 17, 1995. The festival originally ran from Thursday evening through Monday evening until June of 1998 when it expanded to seven nights a week. In 2005 the festival celebrated its 10th anniversary of providing locals and visitors with Clearwater Beach’s only free form of family entertainment. As a result of its growth and continued success, Sunsets at Pier 60 now operates 365 days per a year weather permitting. The Sunsets at Pier 60 Society in partnership with the City of Clearwater.

Another great day in Clearwater.

Day #113 – Clearwater, FL

Woke to another beautiful Florida morning.  The weather is expected to get cooler as a new front moves in.  Not complaining even if the high is 60 today.  Blue skies and sunshine will beat cold and snow any day!  Expected to warm up as the week goes on.

Deb and I went and rented a car and came back to get Bob and Andy who were doing boat chores.  Then went to Frenchy’s on the beach for she crab soup.  Delicious and we all enjoyed every bite. 

After that, did the usual stop at West Marina.  The store was HUGE and the fellas were like kids in a candy store.  Have to say Deb and I enjoyed the clothing and decorative accent sections.  Left there with a dent in the pocket book and on our way to find a Super Walmart, not just a Walmart is good enough anymore, we have to have Super Walmart.  We have become such conneisseurs.  Did the usual damage there after driving all of the way across town to get there.  Didn’t think about it being the Friday before Thanksgiving and it was packed.  The fellas went to the auto parts store while we Walmarted.  Is that a new verb in my vocabulary?  Scary.

Came back to the boat, put things away and are going to have a pot luck dinner with Greek Shrimp, yummy!  Great low key day on the water with fun people! We decided we are staying in Clearwater until Monday.